What we’re about
Tired of small talk? So am I.
Let’s gather in the grass for an afternoon of presence, curiosity, and connection. No networking, no romantic agendas, no performative coolness. Just people showing up as they are.
This picnic is an experiment in intentional, platonic community. We'll share snacks, conversation, and quiet moments, guided by a few gentle structures and conversation prompts.
🧭 What to Expect:
-
I’ll be actively facilitating and seeding conversations using thought-provoking questions
-
You’ll be invited (never pressured) to connect with others in small groups or one-on-one
-
There will be intro rituals for newcomers, space to just sit and vibe, and rotating prompts for reflection and play
-
I’ll also be keeping an eye on the energy — if someone seems visibly uncomfortable or overwhelmed, I will step in and help reset or offer support
💬 Sample Prompts We Might Use:
-
What kind of connection are you craving lately?
-
What’s something you’re unlearning?
-
What’s a story you don’t often get to tell?
-
What does “safe” feel like in your body?
-
If you could ask someone anything — and know they’d answer honestly — what would you ask?
You can find the full evolving list of open-source questions here: https://shadowed-road-efc.notion.site/No-Small-Talk-Picnic-Open-Source-Conversation-Prompts-23c530da7e8780549c91fd70b672cf43?pvs=73
🧾 Code of Conduct (required reading):
-
This is a platonically-oriented space. Flirting is natural, but this is not a dating event.
-
Consent applies to conversation and touch. If someone says “no,” honor it.
-
Phones away unless showing something or exchanging info
-
No photos without explicit, verbal permission
-
Respect food boundaries — ask before offering; label allergens if you share
-
Intoxicated or boundary-crossing behavior will not be tolerated
-
Anyone making others feel unsafe will be asked to leave — no discussion.
🧺 Bring:
-
A blanket or something to sit on
-
Water / snacks (optional to share, label if so)
-
Sunscreen, hat, or shade
-
An open mind and kind energy
🌧 Rain Plan:
If it rains, we won’t meet — I’ll post here the morning of to confirm cancellation.
Hosted by: Nicholas Bennett
I’m a programmer, DJ, scooter enthusiast, and decent listener. 6'7", tattooed, and not into small talk.
Feel free to message me with questions — or just show up and let the afternoon unfold.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- First Picnic!Federal Hill Park , Baltimore, MD
## 🧺 No Small Talk Picnic (Inaugural Edition)
When: Saturday at 12:00 PM
Where: Federal Hill Park, Baltimore (top of the hill near the trees)
Rain Plan: If it’s raining, I won’t be there. Otherwise, I’ll be on a blanket with snacks and some real questions.***
This is the first one - so maybe it’s a solo picnic. Maybe a few curious strangers show up. Either way, it’s happening.
This is a soft invitation to show up as you are and opt into deeper, more intentional connection. No networking. No pressure. No performance. Just good questions, shared presence, and maybe a new friend or two.
I'll be hosting gently: welcoming people in, offering conversational prompts, and holding space for quiet, weird, or heartfelt conversation.You’re welcome to:
- Sit quietly
- Join a group prompt
- Bring snacks, a book, or a journal
- Say “hi,” answer one question, and then leaveYou don’t need to RSVP. You don’t need to explain. Just come if the idea feels good.
***
This event is platonic, consent-centered, and safe-space oriented.
No photos without permission. No flirting-as-default. No expectations.
You can learn more and see the open-source question list here: https://shadowed-road-efc.notion.site/No-Small-Talk-Picnic-Open-Source-Conversation-Prompts-23c530da7e8780549c91fd70b672cf43Hosted by Nicholas. Just a guy trying to build better ways to be with other humans.
- First Picnic!Federal Hill Park , Baltimore, MD
## 🧺 No Small Talk Picnic (Inaugural Edition)
When: Saturday at 12:00 PM
Where: Federal Hill Park, Baltimore (top of the hill near the trees)
Rain Plan: If it’s raining, I won’t be there. Otherwise, I’ll be on a blanket with snacks and some real questions.***
This is the first one - so maybe it’s a solo picnic. Maybe a few curious strangers show up. Either way, it’s happening.
This is a soft invitation to show up as you are and opt into deeper, more intentional connection. No networking. No pressure. No performance. Just good questions, shared presence, and maybe a new friend or two.
I'll be hosting gently: welcoming people in, offering conversational prompts, and holding space for quiet, weird, or heartfelt conversation.You’re welcome to:
- Sit quietly
- Join a group prompt
- Bring snacks, a book, or a journal
- Say “hi,” answer one question, and then leaveYou don’t need to RSVP. You don’t need to explain. Just come if the idea feels good.
***
This event is platonic, consent-centered, and safe-space oriented.
No photos without permission. No flirting-as-default. No expectations.
You can learn more and see the open-source question list here: https://shadowed-road-efc.notion.site/No-Small-Talk-Picnic-Open-Source-Conversation-Prompts-23c530da7e8780549c91fd70b672cf43Hosted by Nicholas. Just a guy trying to build better ways to be with other humans.
- First Picnic!Federal Hill Park , Baltimore, MD
## 🧺 No Small Talk Picnic (Inaugural Edition)
When: Saturday at 12:00 PM
Where: Federal Hill Park, Baltimore (top of the hill near the trees)
Rain Plan: If it’s raining, I won’t be there. Otherwise, I’ll be on a blanket with snacks and some real questions.***
This is the first one - so maybe it’s a solo picnic. Maybe a few curious strangers show up. Either way, it’s happening.
This is a soft invitation to show up as you are and opt into deeper, more intentional connection. No networking. No pressure. No performance. Just good questions, shared presence, and maybe a new friend or two.
I'll be hosting gently: welcoming people in, offering conversational prompts, and holding space for quiet, weird, or heartfelt conversation.You’re welcome to:
- Sit quietly
- Join a group prompt
- Bring snacks, a book, or a journal
- Say “hi,” answer one question, and then leaveYou don’t need to RSVP. You don’t need to explain. Just come if the idea feels good.
***
This event is platonic, consent-centered, and safe-space oriented.
No photos without permission. No flirting-as-default. No expectations.
You can learn more and see the open-source question list here: https://shadowed-road-efc.notion.site/No-Small-Talk-Picnic-Open-Source-Conversation-Prompts-23c530da7e8780549c91fd70b672cf43Hosted by Nicholas. Just a guy trying to build better ways to be with other humans.
- First Picnic!Federal Hill Park , Baltimore, MD
## 🧺 No Small Talk Picnic (Inaugural Edition)
When: Saturday at 12:00 PM
Where: Federal Hill Park, Baltimore (top of the hill near the trees)
Rain Plan: If it’s raining, I won’t be there. Otherwise, I’ll be on a blanket with snacks and some real questions.***
This is the first one - so maybe it’s a solo picnic. Maybe a few curious strangers show up. Either way, it’s happening.
This is a soft invitation to show up as you are and opt into deeper, more intentional connection. No networking. No pressure. No performance. Just good questions, shared presence, and maybe a new friend or two.
I'll be hosting gently: welcoming people in, offering conversational prompts, and holding space for quiet, weird, or heartfelt conversation.You’re welcome to:
- Sit quietly
- Join a group prompt
- Bring snacks, a book, or a journal
- Say “hi,” answer one question, and then leaveYou don’t need to RSVP. You don’t need to explain. Just come if the idea feels good.
***
This event is platonic, consent-centered, and safe-space oriented.
No photos without permission. No flirting-as-default. No expectations.
You can learn more and see the open-source question list here: https://shadowed-road-efc.notion.site/No-Small-Talk-Picnic-Open-Source-Conversation-Prompts-23c530da7e8780549c91fd70b672cf43Hosted by Nicholas. Just a guy trying to build better ways to be with other humans.
